SHERBURNE – Sherburne-Earlville administrators have noticed positive changes as a result of a new anti-bullying initiative which took effect at the beginning of the school year.

“We have seen some positives and we hope to see more in the future as the school culture changes and students and staff become more familiar with the new regulations,” said Superintendent Gayle Hellert.

S-E staff were encouraged by an online survey conducted in the fall indicating 100 percent of all S-E students from grades 3 through 12, were bothered by witnessing others being bullied. The survey also indicated though, that many students were not likely to act on those feelings. The bullying prevention program which S-E has adopted addresses ways to increase bystander participation. The goal is the implementation of non-punitive intervention; early detection and counseling before punishments become necessary.

During a Monday night S-E Board of Education meeting, school counselors gave a presentation on the progress which has been made so far in implementing the new initiatives.

“The number one form of bullying we are seeing is teasing, followed by forms of verbal intimidation and humiliation,” said high school counselor Shannon Gracey. “What we are not seeing are many cases of physical violence, sexual harassment or property damage.”